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Is interrogational torture effective? What do we mean by "effective"? How brutal can torture get and be considered justifiable? In this book, John W. Schiemann adopts game theory in an attempt to answer these questions, walking the reader through the logic of interrogational torture-and finding that it is far more brutal than proponents believe.Read more...

Reviews

Editorial reviews

Publisher Synopsis

Schiemann separates opinion and political position from objective analysis. He presents facts. His case is categorical, magisterial, exhaustive, original, and terribly, tragically sad. He demolishes the liars, partisan, supporters and defenders of torture." -Glenn Carle, author of The Interrogator: An Education From the standpoint of a professional mathematics educator, I can see this book being used productively as the springboard for an interesting discussion on the use (and limitations) of game theory. From the standpoint of a citizen, I see this book as raising questions and offering ideas that merit intelligent discussion. * Mathematical Association of America, Mark Hunacek, Iowa State University * John Schienmann's Does Torture Work? is a remarkable book that uses game theory to demonstrate that the negative consequences of torture far outweigh the perceived benefits when evaluating torture's effectiveness. His conclusions are surprising and worthy of inclusion in any substantial discussion of coercive interrogation techniques." -Matthew Alexander, author of Kill or Capture John Schiemann actually says something fresh about the issue of torture by a rigorous examination of the game theory underlying the encounter between the torturer and the victim from whom information is being sought. Given that many of the defenses of torture are issued by self-styled 'realists,' this is an important demonstration of the fact that the decision to torture is basically irrational in that it is highly likely to be counter-productive when carefullyanalyzed (putting to one side the obvious moral objections). His carefully worked out argument deserves wide attention." -Sanford Levinson, editor of Torture: A Collection Does Torture Work? will stand as a foundational text in the continuing effort to set the study of torture on sound scholarly foundations, marking out a new line of social scientific inquiry. Each chapter combines real world examples with clear deductive reasoning, setting aside quixotic and mythical reasoning. Organized for the general educated reader, illuminating for the specialist, and thought-provoking for future scholars testing out Schiemann'spropositions." -Darius Rejali, author of Torture and Democracy Does Torture Work? is a thought-provoking work that generates novel insights and avenues on a controversial topic. It should be required reading for anyone interested in the forces at play in the continuing, and in many ways growing, debate over torture. * Perspectives on Politics *Read more...